Developing Futures Thinking Literacy Among Middle School Gifted and Regular Students

ABSTRACT

The current study examined the effects of an intervention developing Futures Thinking Literacy (FTL) among middle school gifted and regular students. Study participants (N = 877) were divided into gifted students studying in separate classes, gifted students studying in pullout centers, and regular students. The quantitative research applied a pre-post 6 by 2 design, when the research group experienced an intervention using the multidimensional curriculum model and the control group studied traditionally. A validated FTL questionnaire applied in the study was comprised of two open questions and 50 statements relating to the cognitive, and social-emotional aspect of FTL. Results indicate that both gifted and regular students from the research group improved their futures thinking and overall FTL. Students from gifted classes preferred more challenging activities, a better learning experience, and more knowledge acquisition. Implications regarding teacher preparation in the field of gifted education are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• futures thinking
• futures thinking literacy (FTL)
• gifted classes
• pullout program
• the multidimensional curriculum model (MdCm)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by a grant from the MOFET institute.

Notes on contributors

Hava Vidergor

Dr. Hava Vidergor, PhD, is a senior lecturer of curriculum and instruction in the Graduate School at Gordon Academic College of Education, Haifa, Israel. She received her PhD in gifted education from Haifa University, Israel. Her research interests center on gifted education, curriculum planning and design, innovative teaching strategies, and learning spaces. She has published numerous papers and presented widely at international conferences. She is the author and editor of several books on teaching strategies for gifted, developing leadership skills. Her model was published in a book titled, Multidimensional Curriculum Enhancing Future Thinking Literacy. Email: [email protected]